It's funny that this subject is brought up, as I've been thinking about this. Yesterday lunchtime I observed a low-wing SEP pass through the Edinburgh Class D, East-West, at about 1500 AGL (Chez Smithy ~ 400' AMSL), with the aircraft visibly being vigourously rocked back and forth in the (probably severe) turbulence. Couldn't believe that some nutter was up flying, despite the fact that the surface wind at the time was 25 Kt gusting 30-odd. At 2000' probably about 40+. Unbelievable. I would be interested to know how the landing went. Even from my perspective on the ground it was obvious the aircraft was being chucked about good and proper. Not to mention no doubt its occupants
Round my patch things can get a bit rough if the wind is >15 Kt, plenty hilly terrain in the area to upset things somewhat.
Makes you wonder how severe turbulence can get before the structural integrity of the airframe is threatened. That report made for sobering reading.
Smithy
